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How Forest Policy Changes Could Impact
Your Access to Public Lands
The Trump Administration made sweeping changes to how our national forests are logged and managed. While these changes aim to speed up forest projects and reduce wildfire risks, they also carry consequences for those of us who love the outdoors and motorized recreation.
Let’s break down what these changes mean and what we, as outdoor enthusiasts, need to know.
Less Red Tape, Fewer Safeguards The U.S. Forest Service revised how it applies the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which traditionally required thorough environmental reviews and public input. Now, more projects can move forward under “categorical exclusions,” meaning they don’t need full environmental assessments or public comment periods.
These exclusions apply to things like:
Road construction and maintenance
Logging and fuel reduction
Special use permits
What This Means for Motorized Recreation
Potential Upsides:
Faster trail and road repairs due to simplified approvals
New routes could open as part of fire prevention or access projects
Local forest managers may have more say, offering a chance for better community relationships
Better Fuel reduction and wildfire prevention projects
Fewer Mega-Fire infernos and loss of lives and property
Potential Downsides:
Projects might happen without your input or even your knowledge
Recreational trails could be temporarily or permanently closed during forest management activities
Long-term environmental degradation could threaten access and sustainability
What You Can Do
With less federal oversight, it’s more important than ever for motorized and outdoor recreationists to stay informed and involved:
Get to know your local federal land managers
Track forest project announcements and ask questions
Engage in public comment opportunities when available
Join or support recreation advocacy groups
We all want healthy, fire-resilient forests, but it shouldn't come at the cost of losing access or damaging the places we love. Let’s stay informed, stay involved, and ensure our voices are heard.
For more tips and insights on sustainable motorized access, be sure to check out my blog at https://www.delalbright.com and follow me on social media.
Learn more about fuel reduction, wildfire prevention, reducing mega-fires, and managing our forests in my book on Amazon.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
- MEETINGS:
- RUN A BETTER MEETING
- LETTERS:
- WRITE A LETTER
- SPEECHES:
- GIVE A SPEECH
- FACILITATE:
- FACILITATE MEETINGS
- JOIN:
- JOIN THE RIGHT GROUPS
- LEAD:
- LEAD VOLUNTEERS
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